The Highest Point in Kansas Is Hilariously Unassuming

Kansas is the 36th most populous state in the United States. It’s bordered by multiple states and is a surprisingly low and flat state with many rivers and lakes. While Kansas is relatively flat and low, its highest point is impressive and hilarious! Are you ready to learn more about the highest point in Kansas and why it’s hilariously unassuming? Continue reading!

Kansas Geography

Before we can learn about the highest point in Kansas, we should know more about the state’s geography. Kansas is a central state often called “as flat as a pancake.” Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Colorado border this 82,278 square-mile state. About two-thirds of the state lies in the great central plain of the United States. However, portions of eastern Kansas have hills and thick forests.

Kansas’s annual precipitation averages vary but are between 30 to 40 inches. However, the western part of Kansas is drier and sees annual rainfall as low as 18 inches. Kansas experiences warm summers and cold winters. July and August are the warmest months in the state, while December and January are the coldest. Interestingly, the highest temperature recorded in Kansas was 121 °F in 1936. The coldest recorded temperature in the state though was -40 °F in 1905.

Kansas also has many rivers, which make up its unique geography. Some rivers that run through this beautiful state include the Osage River, Walnut River, Arkansas River, North Fork Ninnescah River, and Marais des Cygnes River. If you want to explore the state’s geography, visit one of its many national parks. These parks and sites include the Fort Larned National Historic Site, Pony Express National Historic Trail, and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

The Highest Point in Kansas

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might not notice you’ve visited the highest point in Kansas. The highest point in Kansas is called Mount Sunflower and sits at an elevation of 4,039 feet. This spot is 3,300 feet above the state’s topographic low point on the other side of the state. So, what makes this point unique? Well, for starters, Mount Sunflower isn’t a mountain at all. Mount Sunflower is located in Wallace County, Kansas. Although the highest point is on private property, the owners, Ed and Cindy Harold encourage visitors.

When visiting, you can find a lovely sunflower sculpture made from railroad spikes that state the point is the highest in Kansas. There is a little free library for all and a mailbox with a registration book. Mount Sunflower also has a covered picnic area.

The reason why this summit is hilariously unassuming is that the state slowly rises, meaning by the time visitors reach Mount Summit, it’s not noticeable. Instead, it looks like a small rise in a large field.

Where Is Mount Sunflower Located on a Map?

Mount Sunflower is in Wallace County between Kanorado and Weskan. It’s far west, about 15 miles from Weskan, Kansas, and less than 0.5 miles from the Kansas border with Colorado.

Things to Do Near Mount Sunflower

Mount Sunflower is secluded and on private property. There isn’t much to do while visiting, but near the summit are many towns and fields filled with wildlife. To reach Mount Sunflower, visitors must drive about 30 minutes on dirt roads. Since the tallest point in Kansas is located on a working cattle ranch, visitors can encounter cattle. The owners encourage visiting but ask visitors to treat their cattle with respect. This destination is a family-friendly spot, perfect for small children as walking is limited.

Animals in Kansas

Kansas is home to many types of animals. There are more than 100 recorded mammals in the state, however, now all are native. Some mammals you can find in Kansas include the eastern mole, southern short-tailed shrew, Texas mouse, North American beaver, bobcat, eastern cougar, red fox, and striped skunk. You can spot many of these mammals in forests and parks. Snakes are also common throughout the state. Currently, about 42 snake species live in Kansas. One of the most common snakes in Kansas is the great plains rat snake.

Birding, also known as bird watching, is a popular outdoor activity throughout the state. There are about 475 species of birds in Kansas. The best places to bird watch are the state parks. There you can spot birds like northern bobwhites, wood ducks, black rails, and whooping cranes. One of the best birding trails in Central Kansas is the Smoky Hills Trail.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © tnkorn yangaun/Shutterstock.com